Edake Ashitosh Chandrakant et al.

; International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology

ISSN: 2454-132X
Impact factor: 4.295
(Volume 5, Issue 2)
Available online at: www.ijariit.com

Development and evaluation of polyherbal foot care cream

Ashitosh Chandrakant Edake Aditya Vishnu Deokar Onkar A. Dindore
ashitoshedake99@gmail.com adityadeokar4699@gmail.com onkardindore34@gmail.com
D. S. T. S. Mandal's College of D. S. T. S. Mandal's College of D. S. T. S. Mandal's College of
Pharmacy, Solapur, Maharashtra Pharmacy, Solapur, Maharashtra Pharmacy, Solapur, Maharashtra

Rajkumar B. Dhule Pooja Dhavne Kirti Dhanake

rajdhule21@gmail.com poojadhavane2@gmail.com kdhanake@gmail.com
D. S. T. S. Mandal's College of D. S. T. S. Mandal's College of D. S. T. S. Mandal's College of
Pharmacy, Solapur, Maharashtra Pharmacy, Solapur, Maharashtra Pharmacy, Solapur, Maharashtra

ABSTRACT
Feet are an important organ of the human body but are often neglect. Feet need to be taken care of comfort, beautification, and
protection from various microorganisms. The object of the present work is to formulate and develop foot care cream with
polyherbal ingredients having various activities like healing and antimicrobial. The various herbs have been reported to having
antimicrobial activities are to be selected, aqueous and ethanolic extract of it has been incorporated in foot care cream and was
evaluated for its activities. It has been concluded that the product has been good foot care property.

Keywords— Footcare, Polyherbal cream, Aqueous extract, Ethanolic extract, Antimicrobial

1. INTRODUCTION
The skin is the body’s first line of defence for external exposure. The signs of ageing are most visible in the skin. Although ageing
skin is not a threat to a person, it can have a detrimental effect on the psychology of a person [3]. Much of the premature ageing
occurs as a direct or indirect result of the skin’s interaction with the environment. Foots is an important organ of the human body
and are exposed to lots of friction and external environment. The lack of oil gland on the sole of foot predispose it to dry skin.
Negligence to the feet can lead to different disorders generally due to improper footwear, and one can suffer from infections because
of an external penetration of dirt, fungus, bacteria through these cuts and wound. It is reported that bacterial decomposition gives
rise to foot odour, in which bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis is responsible. Also, foot resident microorganisms are responsible
for infection such as Candida albicance, E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus [2].

The traditional systems of medicine evolved over centuries had been responsible for safeguarding healthcare of the world until the
advent of the allopathic system of medicine. As the latter system used knowledge of modern biology and chemistry, for both
discovery and treatment, it found fast acceptability among the users and now it occupies predominant space in the area of health
care. In spite of this, the contribution of the traditional preparations, which are normally polyherbal, is increasing because of the
general impression that these products are safe; while the single-molecule based modern drugs used in the allopathic system can
have severe adverse effects [3]. The polyherbal plant extract is known to have antibacterial, healing, smoothening activity improves
skin texture. In these studies, attempts have been made to develop foot care cream from the polyherbal extract. Plants and their
extracts have immense potential for the management and treatment of wounds. The phytomedicines for wound healing are not only
cheap and affordable but are also safe as hypersensitive reactions are rarely encountered with the use of these agents World Health
Organization (WHO) has been promoting traditional medicine as a source of less expensive, comprehensive medical care, especially
in developing countries. Eight per cent of the world’s population relies on medicinal plants for their primary health care. WHO also
recognized the importance of traditional medicine and has treated.

2. OBJECTIVES
To develop the most effective dosage of a drug to meet patient compliance. To evaluate the prepared dosing to establish a desired
effect on the patient. The objective in foot care is to heal the cuts, cracks in the shortest time possible, with minimal pain, discomfort,
and scarring to the patient certain factors that affect the wound healing process include bacterial infection.

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 Edake Ashitosh Chandrakant et al.; International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology
3. MATERIAL AND METHOD
3.1 Selection of material
In the present study, an indigenous herbal formulation containing Moringa oleifera (Drumstick plant), Ficus religiosa (Peepal),
Bryophyllum pinnatum (Panfuti), Annona squamosal (custard apple), Trigonella foenum (fenugreek seed), Azadirachta indica
(Neem oil) which claims to have the potential in the treatment of wounds, burns, etc.

3.1.1 Moringa oleifera (Drumstick plant): M. oleifera is a small or middle-sized tree about 10m in height cultivated throughout
India. It is known as drumstick in English, Shevga in Marathi. The leaves are bipinnet or more commonly tripinnet usually 1-2 cm
long.
 Taxonomical classification
Kingdom: - Plantae
Order: - Brassicates
Family: - Moringaceae
Genus: - Moringa
Species: - M.oleifera

 Phytochemical constituents: The leaves contain niazirin, niazirinine- a nitrile glycoside, benzyl isothiocyanate, benzyle
glucosinolate, aminoglycoside, vitamins, sterols, palmitic acid ethyl esters, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, etc. Tannins in
aq. Ext. show a potent antibacterial effect [12].

 Uses: It is known to show Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Wound healing, Antiseptic, Anthelmintic activities.

Fig. 1: Moleifera
3.1.2 Ficus religiosa (Peepal): The tree grows very large in size with wide-spreading branches and brown colored bark. It has thin
shiny leaves and the fruit is compressed and circular in shape. New immature leaves are red pinkish in color which turns into deep
green at the stage of maturity. Leaves are chordate in shape with a distinctive extended drip tip 10-17 cm in length, 8-12 cm broad,
and 6-10 cm petiole. Upton 30 meter tall and 3 meter trunk diameter.
 Taxonomical classification
Kingdom: - Plantae
Order: - Rosales
Family: - Moraceae
Genus: - Ficus
Species: - F.religosa

 Chemical constituents
Bark – Steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenol content, glycoside compounds, sterols.
Leaves- Steroids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, polyphenolic compounds, sterols. Tannins possess an ability
to increase a collagen content which promotes healing of the skin [10].

 Uses: It is having wound healing (leaves), Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial (bark), an anti-ulcer activity which is some
mentioned here.

Fig. 2: Peepal leaves and bark

3.1.3 Bryophyllum pinnatum (Panfuti): It is an erect, more or less branched, smooth, sacculent herb, 0.4-l.4 meter in height.
Leaves are simple or pinnately compound, with the leaflets elliptic, usually about 10 cm long, thick, sacculent and scalloped margins.
They widely grow in hot and humid areas around the dwelling places, along with roadsides and abandoned farm and fields.

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 Edake Ashitosh Chandrakant et al.; International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology
 Taxonomical classification
Kingdom: - Plantae
Order: - Saxifragales
Family: - Crassulaceae
Genus: - Bryophyllum
Species: - B.plantae

 Chemical constituents: The plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, macroelements (magnesium,
calcium, potassium, phosphorous, sodium), microelements (iron and zinc), vitamins (ascorbic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin),
carbohydrates make plant fleshy and thick. It also contains phenolic acid and caffeic acid, syringic acid malic acid, oxalic acid,
ferulic acid [11].

 Uses: Bryophyllum shows useful activities among them useful for skin care is, antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory,
Wound healing, in the treatment of hypertension

Fig. 3: Bryophyllum

3.1.4 Annona squamosal (Custard apple): The custard apple tree is erect with a rounded and spreading crown trunk height ranges
from 15-35 feet. The leaves are 5cm-17cm long, 2cm-6cm wide rounded at the base and pointed at the tip. The leaves are 4cm-8cm
long, light green and become pale yellow on drying.
 Taxonomical classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae
Genus: Annona
Species: A.squamosa

 Chemical constituents: The plant is reported to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic compounds,
phytosterols and amino acids. Tannins are responsible for promotes collagen formation and helps in healing, alkaloids produce
antimicrobial effect [9].

 Uses: A squamosa shows the antimicrobial, wound healing, Antiparasitic also used in the treatment of dysentery and urinary tract
infection which is commonly known.

Fig. 4: Squamosal leaves

3.1.5 Trigonella foenum (Fenugreek): Fenugreek plant is a herbaceous annual plant grown for its seeds and leaves. The leaves of
the plant are trifoliate with ova leaflet. 10-20 seeds are produced per pod and they are small smooth and yellow each divided into
two lobes.
 Taxonomical classification
Kingdom: - Plantae
Order: - Fabales
Family: - Fabaceae
Genus: - Trigonella
Species: - T.foenum-graecum

 Chemical constituents: The plant contains alkaloids, saponins, tannins, sterols. The seed contains 45-60% carbohydrates, 20-
30% of proteins. Trigonelline and coumarins are the alkaloids which include cinnamic acid and scopoletin [8].
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 Edake Ashitosh Chandrakant et al.; International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology
 Uses: Fenugreek shows many useful actions the antibacterial, antifungal action is most useful in the preparation of formulation.

Fig. 5: Fenugreek seeds and leaves

3.1.6 Azadirachta indica (Neem): Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15-20 meter. It is an evergreen tree.
Neem oil is obtained from seeds. It is a medicinal tree with many uses found throughout India [1]
 Taxonomical classification:-
Kingdom: - Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Meliaceae
Genus: Azadirachta
Species: A.indica

 Chemical constituents: Leaves contains Nimbin, nimbolinin, nimbidine, sodium nimbinate, ascorbic acid, sitosterol,
polyphenollics, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and proline. Nimbidin and Nimbolinine show antifungal and antibacterial activity [1], [4].

 Uses: Neem is found to be very useful plant it shows Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Ant diabetics,
Anthelmintic activity.

Fig. 6: Neem leaves and oil

3.2 Collection of plants

All Plant materials (M.oleifera leaves, Annona squamosal leaves, Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves, Ficus religiosa(leaves and bark)
were collected from the local areas of Solapur and are confirmed to be the same. TheAzadirachat indica (Neem oil) is purchased
from Peacock Pharm, Solapur. The Trigonella foenum (fenugreek) seeds purchased from Ayurvedic Medicine shop and confirmed
to be the same by Department of Pharmacognosy D.S.T.S. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Solapur.

4. EXTRACTION
All the plant leaf were washed under running tap water and are separated from the twigs, spread and allow shade dry for 5 to 7 days
for complete drying which is powdered, which is later used for the extraction process.

4.1 Aqueous extraction process

The method used in aqueous extraction is Decoction method. The accurately weighed 50gm of fine powder is added into a beaker,
the sufficient quantity of distilled water is added into a beaker and is heated with frequent stirring for the specified period of time
until complete decoction occurs. The solution is allowed to cool for some period and allow filtration, the filtrate is evaporated on a
water bath until solid extract is obtained. This extract is used for formulation. In the decoction method, the water-soluble constituents
from the plant are dissolved in it at a moderately high-temperature condition. These water-soluble contents are then crystallized on
evaporation of water leaving behind the solid extract. The percentage yield obtained as -Peepal leaves-14.08%, Peepal bark-1.44%,
Drumstick leaves-13.56%, Panfuti leaves-22.12%, Sitafal leaves-14.24%

4.2 Organic extraction process

In organic Extraction process the ethanolic extract is obtained by using Soxhlet Apparatus. Air dried coarsely powdered plant
material (Drumstick leaves, Custard apple leaves, Panfuti leaves, Peepal leaves and bark) were extracted with ethanol (95%) using
Soxhlet apparatus. The solution is then concentrated using evaporation on a water bath at a moderate temperature, the residue
obtained is crystallized. The percentage yield was obtained to be15.72%

5. FORMULATION
The formulation of foot care cream was carried out by using a cream base. The formulation of the foot care cream contains the
following contents:

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 Edake Ashitosh Chandrakant et al.; International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology
Neem oil- as a natural preservative, antimicrobial, Fenugreek seed powder- as an antimicrobial, smoothening agent, Sitafal aq.
Extract- like a wound healer, antimicrobial, Drumstick aq. Ext.- as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, Panfuti aq. Ext.-as a wound
healer, antimicrobial, antifungal, Peepal aq. Ext. (leaves and bark)- as an anti-inflammatory, wound healer. Ethanolic Ext. -
Antimicrobial, antifungal, wound healer, anti-inflammatory, Urea - as a permeation enhancer, karytolytic. Glycerin- as a humectant,
smoothening agent. Steric acid- like a cream base, Potassium hydroxide- as an emulsifier in the formulation.

5.1 Procedure
An oil in water emulsion type cream was Formulated and different concentration of extracts was incorporated as per given in the
formulation table.

Table 1: formulation table of footcare cream (for 10 gm.)

Ingredients F1 F2 F3 F4 F5
Aqueous Ext. 250mg 350mg 400mg 450mg 500mg
Ethanolic Ext. 50mg 60mg 70mg 80mg 90mg
Steric acid 2gm 2.2gm 2.3gm 2.4gm 2.5gm
Potassium hydroxide 100mg 110mg 12mg 130mg 140mg
Urea 1gm 1.1gm 1.3gm 1.4gm 1.5gm
Glycerin 1gm 1.1gm 1.3gm 1.4gm 1.5gm
Distilled Water 6.5gm 6.7gm 6.8gm 6.9gm 7gm
Neem oil 0.1ml 0.1ml 0.1ml 0.1ml 0.1ml
Perfume 0.1ml 0.1ml 0.1ml 0.1ml 0.1ml

6. EVALUATION
6.1 Physico-chemical evaluation parameters
 Appearance: The appearance of the cream was judged by its color, pearlescence and roughness [6]
 pH: Accurately weighed 5 g of the sample was dispersed in 45 ml. The pH is determined by using pH paper.
 Spreadability: Spread ability may be expressed by the extent of the area to which the topical application spreads when applied
to the affected parts on the skin.
 Washability: This test is carried out by simply washing applied cream with water.
 Determination of type of smear: It was determined by applying the cream on the skin surface of a human volunteer. After
application of the cream, the type of film or smear formed on the skin were checked.
 Homogenicity: The formulations were tested for the homogeneity by visual appearance and by touch.

6.2 Determination of the type of emulsion

 Dye solubility test: In this test, an emulsion is mixed with a water-soluble dye (amaranth) and observed under the microscope.
If the continuous phase appears red, it means that the emulsion is o/w type as the water is in the external phase and the dye will
dissolve in it to give color[6],[3].
 Stability study: Physical stability test of the formulations were carried out for four weeks at various temperature conditions
like 2oC, 25oC and 37oC. The formulations were found to be physically stable at different temperature i.e. 2 oC, 25oC and 37oC
within four weeks
 Observations

Table 2: Observations of evaluation parameters

Parameter F1 F2 F3 F4 F5
Appearance Faint green Faint green Faint green green green
pH 5 5 5 6 6
Spreadability Fair Fair Good Good Good
Washability Non-washable Non-washable Somewhat washable Washable Washable
Type of Smear Greasy Greasy Greasy Non-greasy Non-greasy
Homogeneity Non-homogenous Non-homogenous Non-homogenous Homogenous Homogenous
Type of Emulsion O/W O/W O/W O/W O/W

6.3 Antimicrobial evaluation

 Procedure: For screening, this test the dilution of the extract was prepared. For this 0.2 gm. of cream was weighed and to this
0.8 ml of sterile distilled water was added [7]. Antimicrobial activity of cream was observed against Sephpylococcus aureus by
using well plate method, for studying zone of inhibition. Microorganisms were grown in a suitable culture medium. The wells
were filled with the diluted formulation, the plates were incubated at 37oC for 48 hrs. The activity of cream is indicated by a
clear zone of inhibition around wells, this zone of inhibition was recorded. The results are summarized in the table.

Table 3: Microbiological observation

F4 F5
S.aureus Resistant Resistant

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 Edake Ashitosh Chandrakant et al.; International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology

Fig. 7: Microbiological observation

6.4 Subjective Evaluation

From antimicrobial observation the formulation with highest ability was selected for subjective evaluation [2]. Foot cream was given
to 5 subjects to use for 1 week to carry out the evaluation. These subjects were asked to use the cream for a week and note down the
changes after the use of cream. They were asked to evaluate cream on the basis of appearance, spreadability, skin changes on feet
and irritancy (if any). They were asked to rate the product on overall performance. The result is then interpreted in the compiled
form.

Table 4: Observation of the subjective evaluation.

Subject Parameters for evaluations
S.no. Age Sex Appearance Spreadability Skin changes
1 44 Male Good Good Appears
2 28 Male Good Good Appear
3 30 Female Good Good Appear
4 22 Male Good Good Appear
5 32 Female Good Good Appear

(a) Subject 1

(b) Subject 2

(c) Subject 3

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 Edake Ashitosh Chandrakant et al.; International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology

(d) Subject 4

(e) Subject 5
Fig. 8: Subjective Evaluation

7. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The polyherbal foot care cream was prepared using the aqueous extract and ethanolic extract of plants mentioned above shows good
antimicrobial test against S.aureusis found to be maximum with formula5. From the antimicrobial evaluation, it is found that the
foot care cream prepared using the aqueous and ethanolic extract of plants mentioned above are found to be effective against S.
aureus which is mainly responsible for foot disorders. From the subjective evaluation, it is found that foot care cream is having a
good appearance, spreadability and provide the necessary protection against foot infection and provide good healing property for
cracked heels.

8. CONCLUSION
Thus from the present study, it can conclude the polyherbal foot care cream prepared from the different plants mentioned above are
acceptable in view of appearance, spreadability and antimicrobial activity. The polyherbal foot care cream effective against S.aureus
and good healing property for cracked heels.

9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to sincerely thanks to the management, D. S. T. S. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Solapur, Maharashtra, India for
encouragement and support.

10. REFERENCES
[1] Medicinal uses and chemical constituent of Neem, http://www.wikipedia.com. November 2018
[2] S. Parate, K. Misar, D. Chavan, ‘Formulation, Development and Evaluation of foot cream with Ficus religiosa’ International
Journal of Researches in Biosciences, Agriculture and Technology, ISSN 2347-517X, (6) October 2015.
[3] A. Dhase, S. Khadbadi and S. Saboo ‘Formulation and Evaluation of Vanishing Herbal Cream of Crude Drug’ American Journal
of Ethnomedicine, Vol 1 No. 5, 313-318.
[4] Kokate CK, Purohit AP, Gokhle SB, “Pharmacognosy”, 42nd Edition Nirali Prakashan, Sept 2008.
[5] Khandelwal KR, Practical Pharmacognosy techniques and experiment, 19th edition, Nirali Prakashan, 2008
[6] Pawar A, Gaud RS, ‘Modern Dispensing Pharmacy’, Second edition, Career publication April 2005, page no-227.
[7] Pelzar MJ, Textbook of Microbiology, 5 th edition 2008
[8] Jasmine Naeem Al-Asadi. ‘Therapeutic uses of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). American Journal of Social issue
and Humanities, ISSN:2276-6928 March/April 2014
[9] P.Azhahianambi, P.hariharan, N. Punniamurthy and S. Gomathinayagam. ‘Insecticidal property of leaves and seeds of sitafal
(Annona squamosa), Journal of Veterinary Parasitology, 18(1) 2004: 55-57
[10] Sandeep, Ashwani Kumar, Dimpal , Vidisha Tomar, Yogesh Gat, vikas kumar, ‘Ficus religiosa: A wholesome medicinal tree’
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2018:7(4):32-37
[11] Anuradha K Prasad, Shankul Kumar, S V Iyer, Rahul J Sudani, S K Vaidya ‘Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and
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[12] Ganatra Tejas H, Joshi Umang H, Bhalodia Payal N, Desai Tusharbindu R, Tirgar Pravin, ‘A Panoramic view on
Pharmacognostic, Pharmacological, Nutritional, Therapeutic and Prophylactic values of Moringa Oleifera Lam,’ International
Research Journal of Pharmacy 2012,3(6)

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